Fever in Children: When to See a Doctor
Children’s health · Lagos
Few things worry a parent more than a hot, unwell child. The good news is that most fevers are the body’s normal response to an infection and settle within a few days. Some, though, need a doctor quickly. Knowing the difference helps you act early when it matters and stay calm when it does not.
Quick Answer
A fever is a temperature of 38°C or higher. See a doctor urgently if your baby is under 3 months old with a fever, or if any child has difficulty breathing, a fit, a rash that does not fade when pressed, a stiff neck, unusual drowsiness or signs of dehydration. In Lagos, fever can be caused by malaria, so test rather than guess.
How to check your child’s temperature
Use a digital thermometer. For babies and young children, an underarm reading is simple and safe. Forehead strip thermometers and touching your child’s skin are not reliable enough to guide decisions.
Get urgent medical help if your child
Is under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or more; has difficulty breathing or is breathing very fast; has a fit (convulsion); has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it; has a stiff neck or a bulging soft spot on the head; is very drowsy, floppy or hard to wake; is refusing all fluids or has had no wet nappy for many hours; or has sickle cell disease and a fever.
Why malaria testing matters in Lagos
Malaria is a common cause of fever in Nigeria, but it is not the only one. Treating every fever as malaria can delay the right treatment for other infections. A quick blood test tells your doctor what is really going on, so your child gets the right medicine first time.
Caring for your child at home
- Offer plenty of fluids, such as breast milk, formula or water, little and often
- Dress your child in light clothing and keep the room comfortably cool
- Let your child rest, and check on them regularly, including at night
- Only give fever medicine made for children, and follow the dose on the label for your child’s age and weight
- Never give aspirin to children, and avoid cold-water or alcohol rubs
When to book a routine visit
Book an appointment with a doctor if the fever lasts more than three days, keeps coming back, or your child seems to be getting worse rather than better. Trust your instinct: if you are worried, it is always right to ask.
Children’s care at The Comforter Hospital
Our paediatric team cares for babies and children from families across Surulere, Pako Aguda and the wider Lagos Mainland, with laboratory testing on site and an emergency department open 24 hours a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is a fever in a child?
A temperature of 38°C or higher is generally considered a fever.
Is teething a cause of high fever?
Teething can make a baby irritable, but it does not usually cause a high fever. A high temperature should be checked by a doctor.
Should I wake my child to give fever medicine?
Usually not. If your child is sleeping comfortably, rest is helpful. Do check on them regularly.
Can I give antimalarials without a test?
It is best not to. A test confirms whether malaria is the cause so your child receives the right treatment.
Related reading
- Childhood Vaccinations in Nigeria: A Parent’s Guide
- How to Prepare for Your First Antenatal Appointment in Lagos
- Which Health Checks Do Adults Need? A Lagos Guide
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances. In an emergency, call the hospital on 0802 306 0423 or the Lagos State emergency lines 112 or 767.
